Given he left Lotus at a time when McLaren was reorganizing its operational structure, perhaps it’s not a huge surprise that on Wednesday, Eric Boullier has been confirmed as McLaren’s new racing director, starting Monday, Feb. 3.

“First of all, I regard this appointment as an honor, a privilege and a wonderful opportunity,” said Boullier.

“I’m both eager and determined to play an active part, working alongside McLaren Racing’s other senior managers and directors, within a new operational structure, to bring about the changes that will deliver success.”

Ron Dennis made the point of noting there is not yet a McLaren Racing CEO; it’s a role Jonathan Neale will fill in the interim.

“I’m firmly of the belief that, once McLaren Racing’s restructured senior management team has been assembled, together we’ll begin the march back to full competitiveness, quickly and professionally, harnessing the fantastic depth of talent that exists within our organization,” Dennis said.

Martin Whitmarsh, whose name was conspicuously absent from McLaren’s official 2014 car release, is still not listed anywhere via these quotes. The team has not formally announced his departure, assuming it happens.

It sounds to me a little like what happened with Brawn at Mercedes, except much much faster. Bring in senior members from other teams, set up a management by committee structure, and minimize the role and exposure of the existing principle until he leaves.